SPAD VII

The SPAD VII was the first successful production aircraft from the Société Pour L’Aviation et ses Dérivés. It was powered by the 150 HP Hispano-Suiza water-cooled V-8, making it a high-performance machine that was sturdier than the contemporary Nieuport fighters flown by the Allies. Armed with a single Vickers .303 machine gun, it presented a new and formidable challenge to German air dominance. It was capable of 119 MPH and could dive to 249 MPH. Later machines were built with the 180 HP “Hisso”. Ultimately, the design was enlarged and improved resulting in the SPAD XIII, considered by many to be the best French fighter of WWI. 

The markings of the Aerodrome’s SPAD are those flown by Lt. George Turnure of Lenox, MA. In January 1918 he was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the 103rd Aero Squadron (formerly the Lafayette Escadrille) of the U.S. Air Service. He ended the war with three confirmed victories – two of which were heavily defended observation balloons. He was awarded the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre with three Palms and a Star. This machine is a reproduction, and is the last aircraft built by the prolific Carl Swanson, who passed away shortly before it was completed in 2000. It is powered by a modern 150 HP Lycoming 0-320-E2D engine. The Aerodrome is very grateful to Poplar Grove Airmotive for their generous contribution of an engine overhaul for the SPAD VII.

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